Foras na Gaeilge has begun a new campaign to introduce members of staff to the public. We would like to introduce Breandán Mac Craith!

Area: Book Distribution Agency (Áis)

Venue: Dunshaughlin, Co. Meath

Role: Áis Programme Manager. Áis provides a distribution service for Irish language publishers and ensures that Irish language books are available on the market. More than 200,000 books are distributed to more than 265 shops throughout Ireland and abroad from the warehouse that are located in Dunshaughlin, County Meath.

What aspect of the work do you most enjoy?: The books! More than 170 new books are published per year and you never know what the next thing is that will come through the door. From books for children to thrillers for adult learners, and from graphic novels to collections of contemporary poetry, there is an incredible variety in the books being published and a selection of genres and interests for all.

How does your work support the promotion of the Irish language?: Irish language reading and writing is vital for the acquisition and transmission of the richness of the Irish language. This richness is apparent in every page of the books being published by Irish language publishers and Áis is there to ensure that the public can easily find the great books that are being published.

What are the plans in your area in the future?: We in Áis will continue supporting Irish language publishers and writers and our customers by providing an excellent distribution service. We are engaged in work to develop a new online information service, in which information on books will be available and which give publicity to the various new books to come! Keep an eye out for the new site at www.leabhar.ie.